Jerry de Wilde: Monterey Pop, The Farm & the ’60s Counterculture | ICYMI

What was it like to hear The Mamas and the Papas sing “California Dreamin’” before the world knew who they were? To stand onstage at the Monterey Pop Festival as Jimi Hendrix set his guitar on fire? Or to be part of the free-spirited, anything-goes atmosphere of Los Angeles in 1967?

On this episode of My Rock Moment, photographer Jerry “Dok” de Wilde joins me to talk about his book, In Case You Missed It, and the extraordinary people, places, and moments he captured along the way.

Jerry takes us inside The Farm, the legendary Hollywood Hills gathering place that evolved into a hub for artists, musicians, and counterculture figures. He shares the story of meeting The Mamas and the Papas just before they recorded their first album, and hearing them perform “California Dreamin’” in a living room, and noting that they had something special.

We revisit the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, where Jerry helped build the stage before finding himself with a camera and a front-row view of rock history, including Hendrix’s unforgettable guitar-burning performance, and Otis Redding and Ravi Shankar’s legendary performances. He also recalls the mood of the LA Love-In at Elysian Park, where people came together to share music, food, and a sense of togetherness.

And there’s an eerie story involving Jim Morrison, and his reaction to receiving his anagram “Mr. Mojo Risin'" that would later become part of The Doors’ "L.A. Woman."

Links to Jerry de Wilde and 'In Case You Missed It':

Songs in this episode:

California Dreamin' - The Mamas & the Papas

Creeque Alley - The Mamas & the Papas

Monterey - Eric Brudon & The Animals

Light My Fire - The Doors

Respect - Otis Redding